I was introduced to backpacking while I was learning about climbing and bagging peaks in Arizona many moons ago. Over the years, I have enjoyed topping out on summits, but also simply being outdoors - caving, bike touring, SAR, and sea kayaking. Backpacking techniques and equipment apply to all these pursuits. It also helped that my profession of archaeology also requires outdoors work - Oh the pain and anguish! <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />